byler "Distant Letters"

Mike Wheeler stayed in Hawkins with Dustin, Lucas, and the others. He spent most of his time with the Hellfire Club, disappearing into the basement and discussing the latest game with Eddie.

Meanwhile, Will lived in California with Joyce, Jonathan, and Eleven.

In California, Will had almost no friends. He never quite managed to feel like he belonged among the new people, so he spent most of his time at home, drawing and rereading letters from Mike.

They tried not to lose touch despite the distance. They wrote letters to each other, occasionally sent postcards, and when they could, they talked on the phone. Mike would tell him in detail about the Hellfire Club, new games, and Eddie, while Will would reply with how his days in California were going. Sometimes too much time passed between letters, and Will would start to think that Mike was gradually forgetting about him.

When Mike finally arrived in California, Will didn't even know how to greet him. He wanted to hug him like before, but at the last moment, he just patted his friend on the shoulder.

— Hi.

— Hi, — Mike replied awkwardly.

For a few seconds, they just stood facing each other, as if the months of separation had made them forget how to act around one another.

Gradually, they began spending time together again. They rode their bikes, argued over nonsense, and sat in Will's room listening to music. Everything was almost like it used to be, except for the fact that they both now fell silent too often whenever their eyes met.

Will would sometimes notice Mike looking at him and immediately pretend to be busy with something else. Mike noticed the same thing and would start talking about the first random thing that came to mind.

One evening, Will handed him a drawing.

— I did this a long time ago. I just... wanted to show you.

Mike looked at the drawing for a long time.

— It's beautiful.

Will smiled.

— Thanks.

— I'm serious.

Mike looked up, and their eyes met again. This time, neither of them looked away immediately.

They both remained silent, as if any extra word could make this moment feel too real.